Mets Land Reliever A.J. Minter on a Lucrative Two-Year Deal!

In a major move to bolster their bullpen, the New York Mets have signed left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter to a two-year, $22 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday. This acquisition marks a significant step for a Mets team desperate for relief pitching as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

Pending a physical examination, Minter’s contract also includes an opt-out clause following the 2025 season, which adds flexibility for both player and team. This deal, first reported by SNY, positions Minter as one of the most sought-after acquisitions in the free-agent market.

At 31 years old, Minter brings with him an impressive resume. He has been instrumental to the Atlanta Braves during their recent successes, including the team’s 2021 World Series championship. His MLB journey began in 2017, and since then, he has made 384 appearances out of the bullpen with a solid 3.28 ERA. He had an outstanding season in 2022, where he achieved a phenomenal 2.06 ERA over 75 games, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Although limited by hip inflammation to just 39 games in 2024, Minter demonstrated his effectiveness with a 2.62 ERA over 34⅓ innings.

The Mets' pursuit of Minter aligns with their strategy to pair a top-tier setup man with their star closer, Edwin Diaz, creating a formidable back end of the bullpen. With Minter now on the roster, the team enhances its left-handed options significantly. Prior to this signing, the only other southpaw on New York’s 40-man roster was Alex Young, making Minter a welcome addition.

Additionally, this move comes on the heels of a one-year agreement with veteran outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker, who is expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. The Mets are evidently making aggressive moves in the offseason, aiming to strengthen their lineup and bullpen to contend in the highly competitive NL East.

As the MLB offseason heats up, fans will be watching closely to see how these signings impact the Mets’ performance in the 2025 season and beyond. Will A.J. Minter emerge as a key player in the Mets' quest for glory? Only time will tell!